Hammers make Hillsborough tribute

West Ham United played a full part in Sunday's events at Anfield to mark the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

The Hammers' match at Liverpool was the Reds' last home fixture before the 24th anniversay of the tragedy, which saw 96 Liverpool fans lose their lives at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

The club laid a wreath at the Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield on the morning of the game, and an impeccably-observed minute's silence was held before the match, in which both sets of players wore black armbands.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had praise for the Hammers' mark of respect. "I'd like to say 'well done' and congratulations to the West Ham fans because I thought it was a brilliant response.

"Sometimes in this modern world and society you get a lot of ignorance and that was a real mark of respect.

"You know what you'll get from the Liverpool supporters, but big applause to West Ham supporters because it was a great show of respect."

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan added: "It was a moving moment and our supporters showed their respect for Liverpool and their supporters during the minute's silence. Our fans were superb all afternoon and acted as fantastic ambassadors for our club."

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce added: "The Hillsborough disaster was a tragedy which touched all football fans, no matter who your club is, and it was important for us to show our respects for those who were so tragically killed on that day in 1989.

"As we'd expect, our fans were brilliant in their observance of the minute's silence on what is an important day for Liverpool."